Electronics Recycling News

The wide world of e-scrap

Dell and HP are under fire again from environmental watchdog Greenpeace, who accused the two IT manufacturers of not doing enough to support computer recycling in India. Greenpeace alleges that electronics recycling information is not available on Dell's India Web site, even though customer service call centers routinely tell inquirers to search the site for information on recycling.

As for HP, Greenpeace says that the computer maker's 17 e-scrap collection sites in the country are inadequate, and that at least 100 are needed. Both companies say they are working hard to improve electronics recycling in India, but say the reception they have gotten from consumers has lacked enthusiasm. Analysts for the two companies say most Indians prefer to be paid for their old electronics, as opposed to donating them to free recycling programs.

In a budgetary speech in June, Ugandan Finance Minister Syda Bbumba banned the importatation of scrap computers into the Central African nation. In the same speech, she extended a moratorium for goods in transit and for warehouses waiting to be cleared.

The Hong Kong Education Bureau announced a $7.3 million ($US) boost in funding for its PC recycling plan. The program will provide refurbished computers to 20,000 at-need students, as well as one year of free Internet access.

The U.K. Environment Agency is establishing a dedicated unit to enforce the government's carbon reduction legislation, and help regulate WEEE recycling. The new unit will consist of approximately 50 auditors, who will have the authority to inspect WEEE processors' premises, seize records and report findings to the office.

Staying in the U.K., officials are becoming increasingly concerned about organized crime's involvement in e-scrap, in what The Guardian newspaper called "flagrant abuse of the WEEE Directive." A recent raid netted 500 containers of WEEE scrap and computers slated for illegal export, stolen motorcycles and vehicles, stolen import documentation, an illegal immigrant and $131,000 ($US) worth of vodka and cigarettes.

Law enforcement officials are warning of a sharp increase in WEEE collection scams, where collected material is either unknowingly sold to an illegitimate broker, or laundered through similar channels to Africa, where material is scanned for personal or financial information, and then stripped of its valuable metals under appalling humanitarian and environmental conditions.


Nokia still tops Greenpeace rankings

Greenpeace released this week its 12th Guide to Greener Electronics, finding Nokia the greenest electronics manufacturer for the fourth straight guide, scoring top marks for "leading competitors on toxic phase out."

Samsung claimed second for the fourth time in a row, as well, in part for committing to reduce its absolute emissions of greenhouse gasses, even as the company grows.

Sony took the steepest fall in the quarterly green tech guide, dropping from fifth to 12th place, due in part to the company's failure to extend its take-back program beyond North America. Other video game console makers, once again, didn't fair well in the guide, as Microsoft claimed the 15th spot, dropping a point due to its "poor recycling policy," while Nintendo was the caboose on this electronics train, staying in last place and only earning one point out of a possible 15.


Applications open for funding through Electronic Waste Grants Program

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is now accepting applications for grant funding through the state's Electronic Waste Grants Program. A total of $85,000 is available, and the application period ends September 1st. More information is available on the ADEQ Web site … Ten mobile phone manufacturers have signed on to a European Commission initiative for a universal cell phone charger, all using the same type of port — the micro-USB … The Wall Street Journal ran a story today that found five small electronics firms considering a suit against the Washington State electronics recycling program.


Assembly bill establishes statewide recycling program

According to the New York State Assembly Web site, a producer-responsibility measure presented on June 22nd took all of one day to be introduced, and approved, by the New York Assembly.

Passed by a 130-to-10 vote, Assembly Bill 9049 establishes a statewide electronic equipment re-use and recycling program, targeting the recovery of computers, computer peripherals, televisions, and small electronic equipment, including battery-powered portable digital music players, VCR and DVD players, digital video recorder systems, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers, and electronic and video game consoles.

The EPR-based program would take effect July 1, 2010, requiring OEMs to take back their weighted market share, which would be based on the manufacturer's three-year average of annual in-state sales. The program also establishes a statewide recycling and re-use goal for OEMs, which breaks down to:

  • From July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the goal being one half of three pounds per capita
  • For calendar year 2011, the goal being four pounds per capita
  • For calendar year 2012, the goal being five pounds per capita
  • For calendar year 2013, and each subsequent year, the goal would be the base weight multiplied by the goal attainment percentage (base weight being the average of the total weighted amount of weight of e-scrap collected for recycling and re-use in the prior three years).

The bill, accompanied by companion measure Senate Bill 6047, has since been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.